Survivors back our fundraising night

Survivors of the south Asian tsunami from Coventry and Warwickshire have backed the Evening Telegraph's fundraising greyhound racing night, saying people need to dig deep to make the event a runaway success.

Survivors of the south Asian tsunami from Coventry and Warwickshire have backed the Evening Telegraph's fundraising greyhound racing night, saying people need to dig deep to make the event a runaway success.

By the time the dogs in all 14 races planned for this special night at Coventry Stadium tomorrow have crossed the finish line, we hope - with your help - to have raised £20,000 for those devastated by the tsunami.

Local firms have rallied round to generously sponsor each of the night's races, but we are asking our readers to help by buying an admission ticket.

There are still tickets left, priced at £5 each, for spectators to watch the evening of fun from the stadium's bar area.

For each ticket sold, £2.50 will go straight to the Disaster Emergency Committee.

Alsters Kelley solicitors, in Friars Road, Coventry city centre, has stumped up £700 to sponsor one of Saturday's races.

Richard Paremain, an associate at the firm, said: "We are so used to seeing terrible pictures on our TVs these days that even the shocking and horrifying scenes from Asia seem to become yesterday's news very quickly.

"But for hundreds of thousands of people it is still an everyday reality, so it is important that we keep supporting the appeal and ensure this does not leave the public consciousness."

And people who were caught up in the Boxing Day disaster - the world's worst natural disaster - have echoed the need to keep the money coming.

They were fortunate to escape with their lives - but even more fortunate to have a home to come back too, unlike the thousands who have literally lost everything.

Kevin Balfe, aged 61, sounds director for a computer software company from Needlers End Lane, Balsall Common, escaped the tsunami with his wife Susan, aged 47. The couple were staying in Phuket when the huge wave hit.

Their hotel room was completely destroyed and they had to climb cliffs to reach safety.

Supporting the racing evening, Mr Balfe said: "It's so important that money and aid gets out there now, I can't stress that enough."

Chris Youett, aged 53, of Spencer Avenue, Earlsdon, whose brother Francis is working with survivors as a medic in Phuket, agreed.

He said: "People need to get behind this night and help to raise £20,000.

"It's this kind of big money they need right now so aid can be distributed." l PEOPLE can still book a table for tonight. Call Coventry Stadium on 024 7654 2395.